CEO and headteacher appraisal

A governing board guide to CEO and headteacher appraisal

Updated September 2021

This guide has been updated; while the core content is unchanged, the guidance is now easier to navigate and apply to all types of school and trust.

Download our guide to CEO and headteacher appraisal (PDF)

The guide covers:

• the appraisal policy
• forming an appraisal panel
• appointing an external adviser
• setting objectives
• the annual appraisal meeting
• follow-up report
• making a pay recommendation

Further reading

• When leadership teams thrive, schools thrive - a Governing Matters article from Teach First
• DfE model appraisal and capability procedure
• NGA executive pay in MATs guidance
• DfE Headteachers' standards
• The governance handbook – section 6 covers headteacher appraisal
• What governing boards and school leaders should expect from each other